Monitoring Desk
WASHINGTON: A draft UNSC resolution asking Israel “immediately and completely cease” settlement activities in occupied territories, Western media reported on Thursday. According to AFP, the draft resolution was circulating among the members of UNSC, days before a meeting over the issue of Palestine. The development comes as many Western countries express grave concerns with the Israel’s decision to give backdated permission to settlement outposts in the occupied West Bank and to construct new homes.
The US said that it was “deeply dismayed” by the plans of Israel. Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said that Biden’s administration also maintains its strong opposition to the expansion of settlement.
UN and Israel
The UN resolution, still in draft form condemns all attempts at seizure, including decisions and steps by Israel about settlements and calls for their immediate reverse.
According to AFP, the text of the resolution reiterates its demand that Israel completely and immediately cease all settlement activities in entire occupied Palestinian territory.
The UNSC is scheduled to hold a meeting on Monday to discuss the Israeli-Palestinian situation. UN chief Antonio Guterres also expressed deep concern over the settlement activities of Israel. Israel’s recent settlements move drew condemnation from the US, the UK, Germany, France, and Italy. In a statement, they said that they “strongly oppose it” and see them as a hindrance to peace.
